This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE). This book is aimed at Independent Reading 12, for readers aged 7 years old and up, or in the second half of Year 3.

The emperor needs someone to take over his throne. When he challenges the children of his kingdom to grow the best plant they can from a seed he gives them, young Ling is dismayed - he can't get it to grow no matter what he does! When he brings his empty pot to the emperor, he knows he has lost the challenge. Or has he?

Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills.

Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.

The Key Stage 2 Reading Champion Books are suggested for use as follows:
Independent Reading 11: start of Year 3 or age 7+
Independent Reading 12: end of Year 3 or age 7+
Independent Reading 13: start of Year 4 or age 8+
Independent Reading 14: end of Year 4 or age 8+
Independent Reading 15: start of Year 5 or age 9+
Independent Reading 16: end of Year 5 or age 9+
Independent Reading 17: start of Year 6 or age 10+
Independent Reading 18: end of Year 6 or age 10+